Santi Apostoli Bell Tower Clock - Venice, Italy
Posted by: 
Raven
N 45° 26.421 E 012° 20.191
33T E 291692 N 5035320
This exquisite clock can be found on the bell tower of Venice's Santi Apostoli church in the city's square of the same name. While the church was built in the 7th century, the tower and clock were added in the late 17th century.
Waymark Code: WMGF9W
Location: Veneto, Italy
Date Posted: 02/25/2013
Views: 16
The clock is mounted approx. 30m up the bell tower of Venice's "Chiesa dei Santi Apostoli di Cristo" (English: Church of the Holy Apostles of Christ) church located in the city's square of the same name.
Santi Apostoli di Cristo, commonly known as "Santi Apostoli", is a 7th century Roman Catholic church located in the Cannaregio district. While it is one of the oldest churches in the area, the tower and clock themselves were not added until much later -- by around the late 17th century.
The clock is positioned above many of the surrounding rooftops and can therefore be seen from quite a distance: a respectable feat when one considers the extremely narrow alleyways and compact construction of Venice! Based purely on a cursory glance, one would think that this is clock is not unlike many others found around this ancient city. However, a more detailed inspection by a discerned observer reveals three unique characteristics:
(1) The clock itself is based on a bas-relief motif, and the clock's hands are actually "deeper in" than its numerals (which is not that common in Venice)
(2) Its numerals are based on a 24hr clock, or rather a "dual 12hr clock". The numbering goes from 1 to 12 (top to bottom), and repeats itself at the bottom position back to the usual "noon" or "midnight" position.
(2) Its gold-laden hands are actually extended arms of a multi-rayed golden sun: the undulating rays represent the minutes while the three smaller straight rays represent the hours.
Status: Working
Display: Mounted
Year built: 01/01/1690
Web link to additional info: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Photo of clock.